The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1887-10-08
VERY COMPLIMENTARY.
An Obseryant Young Gentleman Writes
His Impressions Of Morgantown
and the University.

pendent of which the paper the writer
was formerly local editor, is so neat
ly written and so complimentary to
our people that we copy it entire.
The readers of the Independent, l |
hope, will enjoy this letter, as it will |
give some general information, rela- |
tive to the West Virginia Universi-
ty,-the seat of the culture, beauty |
and ambition of the State. The past
history of this institution has not
been such as TO gain the general APP |
probation of the people. Politics
should never be dragged into the
schools, for thereby they become
scenes of bitter personality. In the
heat of contention, men are selected |
for instructors who possess neither
ability nor education, and who would |
grace coal cart with becoming dig |
nifty. do not wish to be misunder-
stood on this point. These men have
brought to their duties, partisan ami
mostly and this, coupled to the bit
ter feelings of the party now out of
power, for years kept the halls of
the University sparsely occupied.
When the present efficient President,
L. NJ. Turner, Esq. was elected by
the Board of Regents, his very first
utterance was to assure the people
of the State that the aim of his pres
ideney would be to advance the rep
utation of the Institution; to turn
the tide of opposition and enyious
chickering's into a channel of useful
ness and progress; to make the peo-
pie proud of the State University.
What has been the result? To-day
there is scarcely an empty seat in
the University; it's excellence is in
disputable, and every year, from the
ranks of the students, go forth men.
who are able to battle successfully
for honor, and possess. brains and
energy that will call them to fill
prominent positions in the business
and political worlds. The time is
here for the whole State to praise
the improved reputation of the Uni
versity, and to encourage the able
instructors therein. The University
grounds are located in the Northern
suburbs of Morgantown, on lovely
elevation. The premises are well
cared for, and certainly present
fine appearance Two handsome
brick buildings grace the plat, and
these are. well modelled, high cell
ings, good ventilation, and steam
heating apparatus, conducting to the
health of the students. They are
eligibly situated and well adapted to
their purposes. Besides these build
ings, there is nice armory, and the
encampment grounds are level and
accessible. The University is the
successor Of the "West Virginia
Agricultural College," which ''was
established in 1867, with the State
share of the land granted to Congress
in aid of agricultural and industrial
education in the State" Suisse
quently this fund has been increased
to $107, 900, which is the present
permanent endowment of the insti-
tuition. Morgantown, recognizing
the influence and benefit of such an
institution, donated in buildings,
grounds and money, some $4,000
Railroad facilities now bring the
visitor and student directly to the
town. 1t has not fallen to my lot
to meet all of the Professors in this
institution oflearning Those whom
/ have met, are gentlemen of the
first water. President Turner Ca
graduate of Princeton was born in
Harrison county, Dec. oath, 1874.
Washington and Jefferson colleges,
in 1886, conferred on him the honor
airy degree of Ii. d. Courteous,
prompt, watchful, he is the par Er-
celence of Presidents. He shows no
favors; knows no partiality; neg
lects no duty; fears no criticism.
The Regents made wise and excel
lent move when they secured his SER
vices, and the people of the State
: may rest assured the present reputa-
ton of the University will be sus-
tanned, so long as he is at the helm.
The law department of the Univer-
sity is under the supervision of ex-
perienced gentlemen. In the Com
mon and Statute Law, Professor St
George L. Brooke, presides with dig
nifty and grace. Descended from
: one of the oldest and most highly
: respected families of the "Old Do
minion," many of whom have won
golden opinions by their ability and
: shrewdness in the law. He is emf
nently qualified to unravel the tan.
gled webs of the law; to enlighter
the student in Blackstone, Stephens
; etc. With pleasant manners, o
friendly disposition, and an earnest
! desire to instruct and edify the
class, he attaches to him the best
= wishes and regard of every student
He is a fine analyzer, and when he
finishes digesting and explaining a
|. chapter, the mind is indeed dark
that cannot fully comprehend its
substance. Prof. Brooke was fol
,, years one of the most accomplished
/. lawyers of the Jefferson county bar
Prof w. P Wiley dispehses Equity
! Jurisprudence, Mercantile Law, &c
Thoroughly qualified to instruct in
> these branches, he traces in a plain
: unassuming style, the steps the be
ginner must learn He takes him
as it were, an infant in his idea Of
> the jurisprudence of equity, and de
velops him into strong manhood. Il
, is treat to hear him discourse anc
: lecture. Though young man, his
:, ability and general reputation as
= shrewd, honorable lawyer, is to b.
envied. The future must have {
brilliant career in store for him
The Professor, I believe, is gradu
! !, ate of the University; and has wor
= considerable praise as a versatile
: able newspaper writer. The law de
: partment aims to thoroughly equil
: the student for the active and prac
!, teal duties of the profession, an(
: some of its graduates rank high il
= the legal fraternity of the State. A
: degree must be won by merit, appli
l cation and efficiency. The outer de
). partments are presided over by
III "a,